The Hytrol Story

lectern and concluded by saying, “I just wanted to prove to you that we here at Hytrol will turn handsprings or even stand on our heads in our efforts to service and please you! Thank you!” Ralph’s speech and performance was the highlight of the convention! After the welcoming speeches, the distributors were afforded plant tours and an impressive “tent show” which displayed and demonstrated Hytrol’s expanded line. There were also new and exciting conveyor system products. Day two of the event showcased the Hytrol Stockyard. Everyone toured the facility and were also taken by to see the new Stockyard building which was under construction. Hytrol’s key management also talked to the distributors during the convention. Leon Hansen, then manager of production, Fred Cunningham, then manager of engineering, and Dan Loberg, assistant sales manager, covered important aspects of their jobs. All affirmed their commitment to superior service to the distributor network. A special banquet held at Arkansas State University and the awarding of the “Pillar of Wisdom” awards were also important events during the convention. A new and selective honor was introduced during the awards. “The Million Dollar Pillar of Wisdom Award” was presented to Seedburo Equipment Company of Chicago; Langley Handling Equipment Company of Boston, and Hytrol Conveyors Midwest (formerly Delano, Inc.), Chicago. These three firms were instrumental in helping establish Tom Loberg’s small conveyor company into the major material handling firm it was becoming. The convention was a tremendous success. Each and every distributor who attended left greatly enthused with an even greater admiration and confidence in Tom, Sam, Ralph and the Hytrol Family. Sales began to increase dramatically with inspired distributor activity. 1972 ended with over $5 million in sales, a resounding increase over the year before! Sam’s goal of “Five in Five,” $5 million in five years, was reached. As 1972 came to a close, Hytrol was no longer thought of as a “small conveyor company.” It was fast becoming a major manufacturer of conveyor hardware.